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Meta-Review: Rocket League (PC, PS4)

I am very excited to dip my toes in to Rocket League’s grassy playing fields. It has been nearly a generation of video games since I was enthralled by a sports game, but the indie scene of late is seemingly finding new ways of making traditional games feel fresh. Earlier this year we had the tremendously addictive and hilarious #idarb on the Xbox One, and now PS4 seems to be getting a wacky sports game in the guise of Psyonix’s latest. The reviews seem to be coming in rather favourable, though attention is being drawn to, what appears to be, some severe server issues on the PS4. If you are a PC gamer, it looks as if Rocket League provides a roaring amount of fun with little to no connectivity issues. Either way, Rocket League looks like a nice break from dourness of games like Arkham and The Witcher.

Destructiod: I didn’t go in expecting much from Rocket League since I’m usually not a huge fan of driving and sports games. Instead of walking away with a confirmed bias, Psyonix’s laser-focused concept gave me something fun to whip out the next time I have friends over. I imagine with a bunch of awful beer and willing companions, we’ll have a great time. What’s next, will I enjoy a game that mixes Metroids and Soccer? We’ll see. (9/10)

Game Spot: The joy of Rocket League rests on the countless plans that are conceived and discarded every other second in any given match. Trying to predict where and how the ball will bounce next is a game within the game. Despite the use of cars, Rocket League emulates the emotional surges typical of The Beautiful Game, such as the rush of an unexpected fast break or a well-timed header into a goal. With Rocket League, the promising concept of combining two wonderful things–cars and soccer–is equally magnificent in execution. (9/10)

IGN: Rocket League is a rare example where the execution of a simple, absurd idea is so strong and so engaging that it doesn’t need a ton of extra features around it. The rush of ripping across the pitch at full turbo to deny a shot on goal with a clutch bicycle-kick is enough to bring me back time and time again for just “one more match,” even without meaningful progression systems. Rocket League is a great, goofy, easy to learn and difficult to master action-sports game which demands that you grab a few friends and play a few rounds. (8/10)

Shack News: As far as soccer games go, Rocket League stands out as a fantastic alternative to the more serious sports outings out there. The quickened pace and numerous customization options make this game a more intriguing and unconventional multiplayer option, but one that’s definitely worth taking onto the pitch. (8/10)

Video Gamer: Played online, or in local splitscreen, Rocket League is a great laugh, and competitive (if not exactly ‘balanced’) to boot. Server issues affected the very early going, but now they’re far more solid, and it’s relatively easy – if not always straight forward – to get a game. Offline, Rocket League fares less well, with its AI either too easily bested or intensely difficult to beat, and a season mode that suffers accordingly, despite its slew of unlockable cars and accoutrements. That’s a minor concern: multiplayer is Rocket League’s priority, and it delivers. (7/10)